CARICOM’s problems are not insurmountable

CARICOM is not in any state of crisis, despite reports to the contrary, according to Guyanese President Donald Ramotar.

While problems exist for CARICOM, they are not insurmountable, he said.

“I suggested to my colleague Heads of Government [at their recent meeting in Paramaribo] that we needed to examine possibilities that could strengthen the integration process while we work to correct some things,” he said.

“Guyana was fully supportive of Secretary General Irwin LaRocque being given the approval to move ahead with restructuring as well as drafting a five-year strategic plan in time for consideration at our next meeting.”

Ramotar also said Guyana had endorsed an initiative by Suriname President and current CARICOM Chairman Desi Bouterse to develop CARICOM enterprises.

“We are of the view that we have resources in the region that can be used more fully to the benefits of the region,” he said. “This is a potential vehicle to deepen our integration process and Guyana requested to sit on the task force that has been set up by the Heads with Suriname as the chair to develop this initiative.”